The Memphis Grizzlies were swept out of the playoffs earlier this week by the San Antonio Spurs, and they never really had a chance. Memphis' two best players, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, were sidelined with injuries, and as everyone expected the Spurs made quick work of the depleted Grizzlies.
Marc Gasol came away very impressed with the Spurs, unsurprisingly, and although he is locked into his contract with Memphis for the next four years, he had some advice for his older brother. Pau Gasol will likely become a free agent this summer and Marc believes that it would be wise for him to take a long look at San Antonio.
Gasol is still under contract with the Chicago Bulls for next season, but it is a player option worth less than $8 million. Gasol was always expected to decline that option, but toward the beginning of the year it seemed likely that the Bulls would be able to keep him. The Bulls, though, missed the playoffs, and Gasol was not happy with the team's effort toward the end of the season, so it's looking more and more like he will move on.
Gasol, despite the fact that he will turn 36 this summer, is still a highly productive player and should be highly sought after in free agency. Marc was asked about where he thinks Pau might end up this offseason, and his guess was with the Spurs. Marc made it clear that he had not talked to Pau about his free agency plans, but considering Pau wants to win at this stage in his career, that would be one of the best options.
Marc later went on to say that he would actually advise his brother to sign with the Spurs considering how good they are year in and year out. Grizzlies fans and their front office likely won't be happy with him saying that considering they have to compete with the Spurs in the Western Conference, but this is just one Gasol looking out for the other Gasol's best interest.
Pau would likely be a great fit with the Spurs as he is versatile and doesn't mind sharing the ball. San Antonio's frontcourt this season is very good and very deep, but there is some uncertainty surrounding it heading into next season. We know LaMarcus Aldridge will be back, but Tim Duncan could retire at any time while David West has a player option and Boris Diaw's contract is non-guaranteed. If all of those guys return, the Spurs may not have room for Gasol, but if one or two of them leaves then Gasol would be able to fit in like a glove, and he and Aldridge could form a lethal frontcourt duo.
